IceHogs News

The Chicago Blackhawks will launch their 2011-12 regular-season home opener on Saturday with a special red carpet event on Madison Street in front of the United Center from 5:00 to 5:30 P.M. Chicago hosts the Dallas Stars at the United Center at 7:30 P.M. later that evening.

The Blackhawks 2011-12 team will arrive via limousine on Madison Street in front of Gate 3 at 5:00 P.M., and will each be introduced before walking down a red carpet and into the United Center’s Gate 2. Blackhawks Radio Play-By-Play Announcer John Wiedeman will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event, which has attracted thousands of fans each of the last three seasons.

The event is free and features appearances by Blackhawks alumni, executives and broadcasters. Parking lots around the United Center will open at 4 P.M., while gates will open for the home opener immediately following the player arrival. Madison Street between Damen and Wood will be closed from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. to accommodate the event.